What is the Joss Naylor Lakeland Challenge?

It is a supported, point-to-point challenge for fell runners aged over 50, from Pooley Bridge to Greendale Bridge. The route covers 30 summits, about 48 miles and roughly 16,000 feet of ascent, with time limits set by age group.

How did Joss Naylor's records differ from the Bob Graham Round?

The Bob Graham Round is the traditional 42-summit circuit completed within 24 hours. Naylor extended the separate Lake District 24-hour fell record to 63 peaks in 1972 and 72 peaks in 1975; those record rounds are not the Joss Naylor Lakeland Challenge.

Why did Joss Naylor start fell running?

Farming at Wasdale Head gave Naylor exceptional familiarity with steep ground, but he began competitive fell running in 1960 after serious knee and back injuries. His work helped build his endurance; the races and record attempts were deliberate sporting challenges.

Trail Running and Fell Running

Joss Naylor: The Shepherd Who Ran Fells Because Farms Don't Pay Themselves

While Wainwright was drawing the routes, Naylor was running them—seventy-two peaks in under twenty-four hours, not for sponsorships or glory, but because he was a working shepherd who happened to be indestructibly fast. He still lives on the same Wasdale farm.

8 August 20267 min read